PUBLIC NOTICE Page 1 of 2 Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 DA 10-1053 June 9, 2010 Enforcement Advisory No. 2010-04 WIRELESS MICROPHONES Wireless Microphones Are Not Permitted to Operate on Certain Frequencies after June 12, 2010; Users are Urged to Check Their Equipment and Take Necessary Steps to Ensure Compliance To avoid interference to critical public safety-related communications and wireless consumer services, the FCC’s rules now prohibit the operation of wireless microphones and similar devices (“wireless microphones”)1 in the 700 MHz Band, i.e., the frequencies between 698 MHz and 806 MHz. What Should You Know? When wireless microphones were designed originally, the frequencies they used were located between the frequencies utilized by television stations to broadcast programs. With the completion of the DTV transition on June 12, 2009, television stations no longer use the frequencies in the 700 MHz Band for broadcasts. These frequencies are now being used by commercial providers of wireless services (such as wireless broadband services) and by public safety entities (such as police, fire, and emergency services). Due in large part to the public safety operations in the band, and as of June 12, 2010, wireless microphone users must cease operating in the 700 MHz Band to ensure clear transmission of critical communications. Additionally, beginning June 12, 2010, FCC rules permit users to operate wireless microphones without a license on TV channels 2-51, excluding channel 37, but only at specified power levels (i.e., up to 50 milliwatts). If they do so, however, these unlicensed wireless microphone users: (1) are prohibited from causing harmful interference, and (2) must accept any interference received from licensed operators. Finally, if a wireless microphone user causes harmful interference, the user may be required to cease operating the device and may not resume operation until the interference has been corrected. What Should You Do? There are two initial steps you should take: · First, you should check to see if your wireless microphone operates in the 700 MHz Band and is affected by the new rule. Some wireless microphones are marked with the frequency on which they operate. In addition, you can visit the FCC website at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html where you will find a list of manufacturers of wireless microphones and associated model numbers. The list also includes product descriptions, and whether or not your device can be modified to comply with the rule. If your model is included on the list, it is a 700 MHz wireless microphone and cannot be used after June 12, 2010. If your manufacturer is not listed, please contact the FCC for assistance with determining whether your wireless microphone operates in the 700 MHz Band. 1 Similar devices to wireless microphones include wireless intercoms, wireless in-ear monitors (“IEM”), wireless audio instrument links, and wireless cueing equipment (aka “IFB”). See FCC Consumer Advisory, Operation of Wireless Microphones (and Similar Devices) in 700 MHz Band Prohibited After June 12, 2010, http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/wirelessmic_advisory.html. FCC ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY Page 2 of 2 · Second, if you determine that your wireless microphone is operating in the 700 MHz Band, and therefore in violation of FCC rules, you should take any actions necessary to come into compliance. Additional information is available at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/. What Happens if Users Do Not Comply with the New Rules? This advisory emphasizes the importance of strict compliance with the rules and legal requirements described above and set forth in 47 C.F.R. § 15.5. Among other things, violation of these rules and associated Commission orders may result in failed communications by fire and police departments and other entities whose communications are vital to public safety efforts. Also, failure to comply with these new rules may, depending on the circumstances, subject the user to civil and criminal penalties, including but not limited to, substantial monetary forfeitures and seizure of equipment. Need more information? For additional information regarding compliance and enforcement of the wireless microphone rules, you can contact Kathy Berthot of the Enforcement Bureau at (202) 418-7454, or Neal McNeil of the Enforcement Bureau at (202) 418-2408. For general information on the wireless microphone rules, you can contact the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) or visit: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/. Media inquiries should be directed to Matthew Nodine, matthew.nodine@fcc.gov, (202) 418-1646. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY). You may also contact the Enforcement Bureau on its TTY line at (202) 418-1148 for further information about this Enforcement Advisory, or the FCC on its TTY line at 1-888-Tell-FCC (1-888-835-5322) for further information about the wireless microphone rules. Issued by: Chief, Enforcement Bureau -FCC-